Loose tendrils of possibility collect into a little ball that I turn over and over in my head. It’s a great idea—surefire—but Nolan might kill me if I suggest it.

“Out with it,” Nolan says, reading my face. “Whatever it is, it better not have anything to do with pie.”

“Well…” I begin. “Seeing as how it is your fault, Nolan…”

“What is it?” Alex asks.

I look at Nolan, watching his reaction as I mumble, “You could have a signing.”

Nolan is already shaking his head, and Alex crows with laughter. “A book signing. Like, with people? Amelia, are we talking about the same person? You have a better shot at the pie booth.”

I drop my gaze from Nolan, looking at my feet. “It could be ticketed. No cost. Every cent would go toward the library.”

“And after, we can invite the fairies,” Alex says blankly. “Right after Santa comes out with his reindeer and the Easter Bunny hides some eggs.”

I’m growing hot with embarrassment when Nolan says, “Alex. Lay off. She’s only trying to help.”

“Yeah, well, I need actual help, not harebrained ideas.”

“It’s not harebrained,” Nolan says. “I’m going to do it.”

“It is harebrained. You’re never going to…” Alex trails off, his eyes widening. “Wait. What did you just say?”

“It’s not a bad idea,” Nolan says nonchalantly. “She’s right. It’ll probably bring in more money than the waterslide.”

Alex’s arms are loose by his side, his phone almost slipping out of his hand. He looks between Nolan and me like he’s watching a Ping-Pong match, his slackened jaw giving him a dorky expression.

“Where are we going to get enough Orman books on short notice?” Alex asks.

Nolan looks to me and I shrug. “People can bring them from home. They’ll pay for the signatures.”

“Anything else we can help you with, Alex?” Nolan’s tone is practiced boredom. “I, for one, would like to get back to reading, if that’s all right with you.”

Alex shakes his head, still stunned. “You’re really going to do it?”

Nolan lifts a corner of his mouth before answering, “Everything sucks anyway. I might as well be useful if I’m going to be miserable.” When Alex stands there staring, Nolan raises his eyebrows. “Is that all?”

“Um…” Alex’s voice is dazed. “Our, um, event photographer has been recruited to help with the sound system. He’s the only one who knows how to work the portable speakers. I don’t suppose you know how to fix that, too?”

If I had doubts that Jenna had anything to do with this, they’re carried away by the sudden gust of wind that blows among the three of us.

A slow grin melts across Nolan’s face. I shake my head.